New College of Florida Celebrates Anniversary of Scholarship Clambake

 New College of Florida celebrates the 41st anniversary of its annual Scholarship Clambake on November 7, 2019, at 6 p.m. The event takes place on the New College bayfront beside College Hall, 5800 Bay Shore Road in Sarasota. Proceeds benefit student scholarships. Tickets are $250 and sponsorships begin at $500. For more information, visit ncf.edu/clambake. To receive an invitation or a sponsorship brochure, call 941-487-4800.

Hosted by the New College Foundation and featuring cocktails at sunset, New England fare and a live auction, Clambake is always a night to remember. It’s been New College’s major scholarship fundraiser—and one of Sarasota’s most popular philanthropic events—for more than four decades. Last year’s 40th Clambake raised a record $350,000 for New College student scholarships.  

Following the record-breaking 40th anniversary Clambake, the event’s co-chairs Pam Daniel, special projects editor for Sarasota Magazine, and George Augustin, certified public accountant and member of the New College Foundation board of directors, hope to repeat it again this year.

“We are so lucky to have New College, the honors college of the State of Florida and one of the top-rated universities in the entire United States, right here in Sarasota-Manatee,” says Daniel. “The school attracts an extraordinary group of students—smart, ambitious, diverse, idealistic and creative. They go on to excel in everything from cutting-edge science and tech to business and the creative arts, and we need their drive and talents in a world facing so many challenges. Yet, without financial aid, many could not experience the transformative education that New College offers.”

Augustin adds that “some 90 percent of New College’s students receive some form of financial aid; Clambake is 100 percent dedicated to providing those life-changing scholarships.”

MaryAnne Young, the executive director of the New College Foundation, is equally passionate about the importance of New College’s scholarships. According to Young, they’re the key to attracting top-ranked students and providing them with a truly exceptional liberal arts education. 

“Although New College is public, state funding covers only a portion of the cost of preserving its status as an exemplary institution,” says Young.  Every year, the New College Foundation provides more than $2 million for student scholarships, faculty and student research, academic excellence, and campus enhancements. Clambake is a fabulous way to be an integral part of this effort. You can invest in the future of New College, while mingling with our extraordinary students and faculty and enjoying a breathtaking sunset and inspired feast.”

The Leading Clambake sponsor this year is the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.